​Press Release
 
The 130th annual convention of the West Virginia Junior Order United American Mechanics (J.O.U.A.M.)  was held July 19 – 21 2018 at the Flatwoods Conference Center in Flatwoods, WV.  Attending from North Carolina and representing the National Council was Charles Riehs, National Councilor.
 
The convention opened Thursday evening with Past State Councilor and Master of Ceremonies, Chuck Petro.  The invocation was offered by Chaplain David Kendig followed by The Pledge of Allegiance led by PSC Paul Simmons.  Jerry Frye led the assembled group in the singing of the opening ode.
 
The Manager of the conference center, Mr. Rob Pecora, welcomed the group warmly.  There was no athletic report this year due to the fact that there was not a golf tournament.  Chaplain David Kendig led the benediction and the group retired to an adjacent room for fellowship and refreshments.
 
A memorial service was led by Chaplain David Kendig on Friday morning in remembrance of members who passed away in the past year.  Betty Ruppenthal gave a short talk on the topic of prayer and Virgil Ruppenthal played two songs entitled “I’ll Pray for You” and “My Heart Knows.”
 
Friday’s business session opened at 9:30 and was led by State Councilor Gary Vance.  New members were installed and visitors were welcomed.  Fourteen resolutions were presented: thirteen were approved and one was not approved.
 
Friday evening’s banquet was followed by an inspiring address by Charles Riehs encouraging members to lead boldly and mentor the next generation. Past National Councilor Dennis Everett and Jennifer Dailey drew tickets for the Chinese auction and door prizes and all enjoyed the music provided by DJ Phil Chapman. 
 
The state session reconvened on Saturday morning at 8:30.  A revised resolution was presented and approved and new officers were installed.  State Councilor Gary Vance presented his State Councilor’s Program for 2018/2019 and Past State Councilor Dennis Everett encouraged everyone to go back to their councils and promote this program.
 
The session closed at 9:40.
 

​WEST VIRGINIA STATE COUNCIL
Junior Order United American Mechanics
2018-2019
 
STATE OFFICERS
Past State Councilor                Dale Dailey                  Berkeley Springs #117
State Councilor                         Gary Vance                  St. Albans #123
State Vice Councilor                David Kendig               Berkeley Springs #117
State Secretary                         Joyce Everett              Berkeley Springs #117
State Treasurer                        Jeremy Frye                Back Creek Valley #15
State Chaplain                          B. J. Ruppenthal         Berkeley Springs #117
State Conductor                       Virgil Ruppenthal       Berkeley Springs #117
State Warden                           Dick Myers                  Berkeley Springs #117
State Inside Sentinel               Berneda Vance           St. Albans #123
State Outside Sentinel            David Bailey                Back Creek Valley #15
 
NATIONAL OFFICERS
National Board of Control       Greg Frye                    Back Creek Valley #15
Past National Councilor           Dennis Everett           Berkeley Springs #117
National Inside Sentinel           David Kendig              Berkeley Springs #117
Nat’l Deputy Councilor- WV   Dale Dailey                 Berkeley Springs #117
National Finance Committee Carroll Bonnett          Rockport #106
 
NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
National Rep. (4 Yr. Term)      Paul Simmons           New Haven #175
National Rep. (Alternate)        Charles Petro             Fidelity #182
National Rep. (3 Yr. Term)      Jeremy Frye               Back Creek Valley #15
National Rep. (2 Yr. Term)      James Pritt                 St. Albans #123
 
DISTRICT DEPUTY STATE COUNCILORS
District #1                                   Harry Vance               St. Albans #123
District #2                                   Dennis Everett           Berkeley Springs #117
 

The 130th State Session kicked off today with 33 members arriving for the opening segment.
Memorial service will be conducted Friday July 20 at 8:45 am just prior to the start of the business session.
Following the opening, a social gathering was hosted and all enjoyed the visitation and food.
The session is being held at the Days Inn Conference Center in Flatwoods, West Virginia.
Tune back in later for photos of the activities.